By SEMA Editors

Rich Barsamian, Jack Chisenhall, John Gaines, and Joe St. Lawrence will receive the specialty-equipment industry’s highest honor as the newest members of the SEMA Hall of Fame. The four are the latest representatives of an esteemed group of industry icons who have influenced and inspired the $43 billion automotive specialty-equipment industry.

Rich Barsamian has been actively volunteering and helping to improve our industry since he joined the Young Executives Network (YEN) in 1995. He has helped bring many educational programs to SEMA members and worked tirelessly as an ambassador to help grow SEMA membership. Over the years, Barsamian has earned numerous recognitions for his continued work in the automotive aftermarket, including SEMA Person of the Year in 2014, and exemplifies the SEMA Hall of Fame criteria with regard to professionalism, dignity, integrity, stature and growth of the industry.

Jack Chisenhall is credited with making climate-control systems accessible by founding the San Antonio, Texas, company Vintage Air, and also helped create what is now the Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA), among other innovations and contributions. His work made enthusiasts’ cars more comfortable and easier to drive, and that meant more miles logged behind the wheel, more money spent on modifications and more time on the road wrenching, driving, building and enjoying these cars. It was a cultural shift and a game changer.

John Gaines was an early pioneer in automotive aftermarket warehouse distribution. His company, G&M Performance Parts, was one of the first of its kind in the automotive aftermarket. Gaines’ distributorship was one of the first in the country to utilize a fleet of vehicles to distribute product direct to local speed shops, truck accessory stores, car dealerships and machine shops, creating a much quicker and more streamlined process from manufacturer to end user. Gaines is credited with forward-thinking early on that helped many manufacturers grow to where they are today.

Joe St. Lawrence started RTM, the industry's first production company for auto how-to shows in the mid-1980s. He created PowerBlock, television’s first two-hour, auto theme-block featuring how-to shows that introduced SEMA-member products to million of viewers. St. Lawrence’s shows sparked parts-buying on Monday, and gave DYIers the confidence to bolt-on aftermarket parts and customize their vehicles. He introduced broad audiences to cool cars and helped change the image of the backyard mechanic into a tool-wielding expert.

Learn more about past SEMA Hall of Fame inductees at www.semahof.com.

By Rich Hail

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually.

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually. Griffin is a third-generation hot-rodder who placed in the Young Guns division Top Ten at the 2019 SEMA Show with his ’75 AMC Gremlin.

His latest build was inspired by his interest in towing his award-winning hot rods around in comfort and style to various car shows and events. This Super Duty sits on massive 24-in. American Force wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, while the stance is provided by lowering arms in the front and airbags in the rear.

Custom amenities include a Kenwood touchscreen multimedia system, captain’s chairs in the rear, an electric truck bed cover, a carpet kit, an under-bed gooseneck hitch and an integrated back-up camera in the tailgate.

Under the hood lives a 7.3L diesel with a Banks Power intercooler and upgraded turbo, which should provide plenty of towing power to get his cars to their destination.

Griffin said that he’s not done modifying this truck and looks forward to competing in the 2020 Battle of the Builders competition at the 2020 SEMA Show. His mantra is, “it’s all about the ride.”

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rich Hail

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually.

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually. Griffin is a third-generation hot-rodder who placed in the Young Guns division Top Ten at the 2019 SEMA Show with his ’75 AMC Gremlin.

His latest build was inspired by his interest in towing his award-winning hot rods around in comfort and style to various car shows and events. This Super Duty sits on massive 24-in. American Force wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, while the stance is provided by lowering arms in the front and airbags in the rear.

Custom amenities include a Kenwood touchscreen multimedia system, captain’s chairs in the rear, an electric truck bed cover, a carpet kit, an under-bed gooseneck hitch and an integrated back-up camera in the tailgate.

Under the hood lives a 7.3L diesel with a Banks Power intercooler and upgraded turbo, which should provide plenty of towing power to get his cars to their destination.

Griffin said that he’s not done modifying this truck and looks forward to competing in the 2020 Battle of the Builders competition at the 2020 SEMA Show. His mantra is, “it’s all about the ride.”

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rich Hail

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually.

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually. Griffin is a third-generation hot-rodder who placed in the Young Guns division Top Ten at the 2019 SEMA Show with his ’75 AMC Gremlin.

His latest build was inspired by his interest in towing his award-winning hot rods around in comfort and style to various car shows and events. This Super Duty sits on massive 24-in. American Force wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, while the stance is provided by lowering arms in the front and airbags in the rear.

Custom amenities include a Kenwood touchscreen multimedia system, captain’s chairs in the rear, an electric truck bed cover, a carpet kit, an under-bed gooseneck hitch and an integrated back-up camera in the tailgate.

Under the hood lives a 7.3L diesel with a Banks Power intercooler and upgraded turbo, which should provide plenty of towing power to get his cars to their destination.

Griffin said that he’s not done modifying this truck and looks forward to competing in the 2020 Battle of the Builders competition at the 2020 SEMA Show. His mantra is, “it’s all about the ride.”

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rich Hail

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually.

SEMA held its second Virtual Young Guns competition April 18, and awarded Jacob Griffin of Escondido, California, the Golden Ticket for his work on a ’00 Ford F-350 Dually. Griffin is a third-generation hot-rodder who placed in the Young Guns division Top Ten at the 2019 SEMA Show with his ’75 AMC Gremlin.

His latest build was inspired by his interest in towing his award-winning hot rods around in comfort and style to various car shows and events. This Super Duty sits on massive 24-in. American Force wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber, while the stance is provided by lowering arms in the front and airbags in the rear.

Custom amenities include a Kenwood touchscreen multimedia system, captain’s chairs in the rear, an electric truck bed cover, a carpet kit, an under-bed gooseneck hitch and an integrated back-up camera in the tailgate.

Under the hood lives a 7.3L diesel with a Banks Power intercooler and upgraded turbo, which should provide plenty of towing power to get his cars to their destination.

Griffin said that he’s not done modifying this truck and looks forward to competing in the 2020 Battle of the Builders competition at the 2020 SEMA Show. His mantra is, “it’s all about the ride.”

The Battle of the Builders competition celebrates the amazing craftsmanship and talents of people who create and build some of the most unique cars in the world. The “Young Guns” classification is exclusive to up-and-coming builders who are under 27 years old and have performed the majority of the work on their vehicles.

For more information about the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition or the SEMA Young Guns program, visit www.semabotb.com or www.semayoungguns.com.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

As exhibitors select their booth space this month, media are beginning to follow along and report on the new products and trends that will debut. Here are four tips to help exhibitors increase their media coverage:

Press Releases: Press releases can be an effective way to generate buzz throughout the year, and news related to the SEMA Show is of particular interest to journalists. Press releases are designed to make it easy for media to include your information in their publications. Because many news outlets are short staffed, press releases are a welcomed tool to many reporters. Well written releases that include photos and news announcements are more likely to be used by media. Look for news angles and send a steady stream of press releases out for maximum coverage. For more information or additional tips on press release best practices, visit the SEMA Show website.

Online Media Center: Journalists are often bombarded with press releases and emails. To help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Online Media Center is available. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost. Note the following tips prior to submitting a press release:

• Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted.
• Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos.
• Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.

New Products Showcase: Participating in the New Products Showcase is more than just a place to highlight products. Because photos of all products in the showcase are taken and provided to the media, exhibitors find that they receive increased coverage by participating in the showcase. All exhibitors qualify to submit one entry at no cost, making it the best ROI at the Show. Exhibitors may enter the New Products Showcase.

Social Media: Social media has great potential to reach many individuals with minimal effort. Exhibitors are encouraged to promote their SEMA Show participation by announcing their booth number and plans for the upcoming November Show. SEMA is active in social media and encourages exhibitors to connect with the official SEMA pages and attract more followers by using the official hashtag #SEMA2020.

SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

As exhibitors select their booth space this month, media are beginning to follow along and report on the new products and trends that will debut. Here are four tips to help exhibitors increase their media coverage:

Press Releases: Press releases can be an effective way to generate buzz throughout the year, and news related to the SEMA Show is of particular interest to journalists. Press releases are designed to make it easy for media to include your information in their publications. Because many news outlets are short staffed, press releases are a welcomed tool to many reporters. Well written releases that include photos and news announcements are more likely to be used by media. Look for news angles and send a steady stream of press releases out for maximum coverage. For more information or additional tips on press release best practices, visit the SEMA Show website.

Online Media Center: Journalists are often bombarded with press releases and emails. To help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Online Media Center is available. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost. Note the following tips prior to submitting a press release:

• Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted.
• Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos.
• Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.

New Products Showcase: Participating in the New Products Showcase is more than just a place to highlight products. Because photos of all products in the showcase are taken and provided to the media, exhibitors find that they receive increased coverage by participating in the showcase. All exhibitors qualify to submit one entry at no cost, making it the best ROI at the Show. Exhibitors may enter the New Products Showcase.

Social Media: Social media has great potential to reach many individuals with minimal effort. Exhibitors are encouraged to promote their SEMA Show participation by announcing their booth number and plans for the upcoming November Show. SEMA is active in social media and encourages exhibitors to connect with the official SEMA pages and attract more followers by using the official hashtag #SEMA2020.

SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

As exhibitors select their booth space this month, media are beginning to follow along and report on the new products and trends that will debut. Here are four tips to help exhibitors increase their media coverage:

Press Releases: Press releases can be an effective way to generate buzz throughout the year, and news related to the SEMA Show is of particular interest to journalists. Press releases are designed to make it easy for media to include your information in their publications. Because many news outlets are short staffed, press releases are a welcomed tool to many reporters. Well written releases that include photos and news announcements are more likely to be used by media. Look for news angles and send a steady stream of press releases out for maximum coverage. For more information or additional tips on press release best practices, visit the SEMA Show website.

Online Media Center: Journalists are often bombarded with press releases and emails. To help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Online Media Center is available. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost. Note the following tips prior to submitting a press release:

• Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted.
• Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos.
• Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.

New Products Showcase: Participating in the New Products Showcase is more than just a place to highlight products. Because photos of all products in the showcase are taken and provided to the media, exhibitors find that they receive increased coverage by participating in the showcase. All exhibitors qualify to submit one entry at no cost, making it the best ROI at the Show. Exhibitors may enter the New Products Showcase.

Social Media: Social media has great potential to reach many individuals with minimal effort. Exhibitors are encouraged to promote their SEMA Show participation by announcing their booth number and plans for the upcoming November Show. SEMA is active in social media and encourages exhibitors to connect with the official SEMA pages and attract more followers by using the official hashtag #SEMA2020.

SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By Rachel Tatum

The SEMA Show Online Media Center, available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost.

As exhibitors select their booth space this month, media are beginning to follow along and report on the new products and trends that will debut. Here are four tips to help exhibitors increase their media coverage:

Press Releases: Press releases can be an effective way to generate buzz throughout the year, and news related to the SEMA Show is of particular interest to journalists. Press releases are designed to make it easy for media to include your information in their publications. Because many news outlets are short staffed, press releases are a welcomed tool to many reporters. Well written releases that include photos and news announcements are more likely to be used by media. Look for news angles and send a steady stream of press releases out for maximum coverage. For more information or additional tips on press release best practices, visit the SEMA Show website.

Online Media Center: Journalists are often bombarded with press releases and emails. To help exhibitors get their press releases to journalists covering the SEMA Show, the SEMA Show Online Media Center is available. Available exclusively to SEMA Show exhibitors, the site allows exhibitors to submit press releases and photos at no cost. Note the following tips prior to submitting a press release:

• Post early. Many publications, including SEMA News, run preview stories with deadlines beginning in July. Releases often run in the order they are submitted.
• Include a photo. Releases with photos are more likely to be used than those without photos.
• Tag correctly when you upload to the site. Many editors use the search function to find news that is relevant to their audience.

New Products Showcase: Participating in the New Products Showcase is more than just a place to highlight products. Because photos of all products in the showcase are taken and provided to the media, exhibitors find that they receive increased coverage by participating in the showcase. All exhibitors qualify to submit one entry at no cost, making it the best ROI at the Show. Exhibitors may enter the New Products Showcase.

Social Media: Social media has great potential to reach many individuals with minimal effort. Exhibitors are encouraged to promote their SEMA Show participation by announcing their booth number and plans for the upcoming November Show. SEMA is active in social media and encourages exhibitors to connect with the official SEMA pages and attract more followers by using the official hashtag #SEMA2020.

SEMA provides services to help exhibitors connect with media at the SEMA Show and is available to assist. For details about SEMA Show exhibitor PR opportunities, contact Rachel Tatum at rachelt@sema.org or 909-978-6669.

By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that some retail businesses will be allowed to reopen under the state’s previously announced plan to restart its economy.

Beginning Friday, May 8, clothing stores, bookstores, florists, sporting goods stores and other retailers—as well as the manufacturing and logistics companies that support them—may reopen for curbside pickup if safe social distancing is practiced and workers are protected.

Additionally, counties less impacted by the virus may begin to reopen at a faster pace than the rest of the state if local public health officials sign off on mandatory safety plans.

Further details regarding California’s plan to reopen may be found on SEMA’s state-by-state directory of COVID-19 closures and openings. The webpage also includes best practices for reopening published by government and industry.

For more information, please contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.